Date of Award
6-1927
Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Physics
Chief Instructor
Robert H. Goddard
Keywords
velocity, gravitation
Abstract
For many years the velocity of gravitation, or more properly, the velocity of propagation of gravitational potential, has been the subject of much theoretical discussion. The magnitude of this velocity according to proposed theories varies from the velocity of light to infinity. According to the theory of relativity, the velocity of gravitation should be equal to that of light, and the success which experimental tests of the theory have met justify this assumption. No previous work has been done, however, which would form the basis of a direct measurement. During the past three years, experiments relating to the velocity of gravitation have been devised and partially tested. The object of this paper is to point out the different mechanical effects which should exist for a finite and for an infinite velocity of propagation, and to present an experimental method of measuring the velocity of gravitation.
Recommended Citation
Roope, Percy Martin, "A Method of Measuring the Velocity of Gravitation" (1927). Historical Dissertations & Theses. 74.
https://commons.clarku.edu/hist_disstheses/74
Comments
Percy M. Roope was a Professor of Physics at Clark University from 1921 to 1967. He was also a student of Robert H. Goddard and was present at Goddard's first successful launch in 1926. Clark University's Archives and Special Collections is also home of the Percy Roope Papers.